In a significant move within the Greater Cincinnati business community, Revitalize Capital, the Blue Ash-based private equity firm and parent company of Graphic Village, has acquired LPK, a renowned local design firm that grew into a global branding powerhouse. The acquisition, finalized on December 31, 2024, marks Revitalize’s 21st acquisition and its first since the 2022 purchase of OneTouchPoint.
Founded in 1919 as a Cincinnati art studio, LPK was formally incorporated under its current name in 1983. Over the years, the firm has built a remarkable reputation for creating impactful branding strategies for major companies like Procter & Gamble, the J.M. Smucker Co., and GE Appliances. At its peak, LPK operated multiple international offices and employed over 400 people, generating annual revenues of $50 million.
Revitalize Capital’s acquisition of LPK comes as the firm continues to strengthen its portfolio in the marketing, printing, packaging, and branding sectors. LPK will now operate independently under the Revitalize umbrella, but retain its iconic brand identity. Emily Flannery has stepped into the role of managing director, following the departure of LPK CEO Sarah Tomes. The creative leadership team remains intact, with Nathan Hendricks as Chief Creative Officer and David Volker as Vice President of Creative. Caroline Dunn, previously Director of Client Services, will now serve as Vice President of Client Services.
“We are excited to enter a new era for LPK,” Flannery said. “We plan to aggressively pursue our vision of LPK unleashed, continuing to evolve our leadership in strategy, foresight, brand expression, and client stewardship. We have a deeply talented creative and strategic team that is ready to adapt to our clients’ needs and the ever-changing market landscape.”
Revitalize Capital, led by founder and managing director Eric Kahn, has built a robust portfolio focused on companies in the marketing and design space. With the addition of LPK, Revitalize strengthens its position in the industry while providing opportunities for cross-selling and collaboration among its various portfolio companies. These companies, including Graphic Village and Intrinzic Brand Collaborative, will benefit from shared resources and enhanced service offerings, allowing them to deliver even more value to their clients.
Kahn explained that the acquisition of LPK was part of Revitalize’s broader strategy of acquiring companies with strong creative capabilities and proven track records in branding and design. “As we’ve grown, we’ve seen an increasing number of opportunities in this space,” Kahn said. “LPK’s long-standing expertise and reputation make it a perfect fit for our portfolio.”
While LPK will operate autonomously, Revitalize’s support will allow the firm to continue pushing the boundaries of branding and design, offering clients an even broader range of services across multiple industries.
This acquisition further underscores Revitalize’s commitment to the growth and development of its portfolio companies, which now include a mix of creative, print, and marketing services. As the team at LPK looks to the future, they are poised to continue their legacy of excellence in the branding world while embracing new opportunities within the Revitalize ecosystem.
Source: Cincinnati Business Courier, January 8, 2025.
